Deep-Frying Pretzels: A Tasty Treat?

Pretzels are a popular snack, often enjoyed at fairs, sporting events, and amusement parks. They can be made in various ways, including baking and frying. But can you make pretzels in a deep fryer? The answer is yes, you can deep fry pretzels. However, it is important to note that this method may not be the best alternative to baking. Deep-frying pretzels involves a few risks, such as the potential for water-logged dough and the danger of mixing water and hot oil. It is crucial to have experience and knowledge before attempting this method. A safer option is to deep fry fully cooked pretzels, as this reduces the risk of accidents.

Deep-frying homemade pretzels

Deep-fried pretzels are a fun and delicious treat, perfect for parties, snacks, and get-togethers. While baking is the traditional method for making pretzels, deep-frying is a viable option if you're feeling adventurous. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create delicious deep-fried pretzels at home.

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Shortening or vegetable oil
• Cold water
• Coarse salt or sea salt for sprinkling
• Crisco or other shortening for deep frying

Optional ingredients for flavour variations:

• Rosemary
• Mozzarella
• Brown sugar or granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Cinnamon
• Italian seasoning

Equipment:

• Deep saucepan or deep fryer
• Waxed paper
• Paper towels

Instructions:

Start by combining the flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in the shortening or vegetable oil using a pastry blender or two knives. Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dry ingredients are moistened and the dough can be gathered into a ball. Knead the dough gently a few times.

Pinch off pieces of dough and shape them into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball between your hands to form a 10-inch rope. Form each rope into a pretzel shape and place them on waxed paper.

Now, it's time to heat the oil. Heat your chosen shortening to 365°F in a deep saucepan or deep fryer. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect crispiness.

Once the oil is hot enough, carefully place 3 pretzels at a time into the hot oil. Fry them for about 3 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

When your pretzels are nicely browned, remove them from the oil and drain them on paper towels. This step will remove any excess oil. Finally, sprinkle the pretzels with coarse salt or sea salt to taste, and your deep-fried pretzels are ready to serve!

Tips and Variations:

Deep-fried pretzels can be a fun canvas for creative flavours. Here are some ideas to elevate your pretzel game:

• Rosemary and mozzarella pretzels: Add some rosemary and mozzarella cheese to the dough for a savoury twist.
• Cinnamon sugar pretzels: Skip the coarse salt topping. Instead, brush the baked pretzels with melted butter and dip them into a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
• Savory Italian: Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top of your pretzels before baking. You can also dip them in marinara sauce for an extra flavour boost.
• Sweet variation: For a sweet treat, omit the salt topping and sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over the pretzels instead. You can also dip them in cream cheese frosting or chocolate buttercream frosting.

Safety Precautions:

Deep-frying can be dangerous if not done properly. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Always be cautious when working with hot oil to avoid burns.
• Do not leave the oil unattended while heating or frying.
• Ensure your work area is well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of grease and fumes.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby as a precaution.
• Be careful when adding the dough to the hot oil to avoid splattering.
• Allow the oil to cool completely before disposing of it.

The ingredients required

Making deep-fried pretzels requires a few simple ingredients, and you can even add some extra ingredients to make rosemary and mozzarella pretzels. Here is a list of the ingredients you will need:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon of CRISCO all-vegetable shortening or 1 tablespoon of CRISCO Stick
• 6 tablespoons of cold water
• CRISCO Shortening or CRISCO Stick for deep frying
• Rosemary (optional)
• Mozzarella (optional)
• Coarse salt

To make the pretzels, you will combine the flour and salt in a bowl. Next, cut in the Crisco with a pastry blender or two knives. You will then add water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dry ingredients are moistened and the dough can be gathered into a ball. Once the dough is ready, you will need to knead it gently a few times.

After that, you can start shaping the pretzels. Pinch off pieces of dough and shape them into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball between your hands to form a 10-inch rope. Then, form each rope into a pretzel shape and set them on waxed paper.

Now, you are ready to fry the pretzels. Heat the Crisco to 365°F in a deep saucepan or deep fryer. Fry 3 pretzels at a time in the hot Crisco for 3 minutes or until they are golden brown. Drain them on paper towels and sprinkle with coarse salt.

If you want to make rosemary and mozzarella pretzels, you can add rosemary and mozzarella to the dough during the shaping process. Simply sprinkle some rosemary and mozzarella onto the dough before forming it into pretzel shapes.

Shaping the pretzels

Shaping pretzels is a fun and easy process. The dough can be formed into any shape you like, but here are some instructions on how to make a classic pretzel twist:

First, take your lump of dough and shape it into a cigar or rope shape. Use your palms to roll it back and forth against the counter, working from the middle and gently pressing outward to lengthen the rope. Aim for a length of at least 18 inches, or even longer if you can. If the dough starts to shrink back on itself, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing to roll.

Next, take the ends of the rope in your fingertips and draw them together, forming a circle. Twist the ends once or twice, then bring the twisted end towards yourself and fold it down onto the bottom curve of the circle. Use a bit of water or milk to wet the ends so they stick to the dough.

If you want to try some other shapes, you can also make braids, loops, or pretzel bites. For a braid, cut the rope of dough into thirds, press the three strands together at the top, then braid and tuck the ends under. For a loop, cut the rope into fourths, twist two strands together, shape them into a ring, and press the ends together. Repeat with the other two strands. For pretzel bites, fold the rope in half and twist it tightly, pressing the ends together to seal, then cut into 1-inch pieces.

Once you've shaped your pretzels, let them rise until they're puffy, give them a quick bath in boiling water, and then they're ready to bake!

The baking soda bath

To prepare the baking soda bath, start by bringing 9 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. You will need 1/2 a cup of baking soda for this step. Add the baking soda to the water and stir until it dissolves. Drop 1-2 pretzels into the boiling water and let them boil for 20-30 seconds. If they stay in the water for any longer, your pretzels will have a metallic taste. Using a slotted spatula, carefully lift the pretzels out of the water, allowing any excess water to drip off. Place the boiled pretzels on a baking sheet and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Repeat this process for the remaining pretzels.

If you want to make your pretzels ahead of time and bake them later, you can cover and refrigerate the boiled/unbaked pretzels for up to 24 hours before baking.

Storing and reheating the pretzels

Soft pretzels are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored and reheated to taste almost as good as new. Here is a comprehensive guide to storing and reheating pretzels:

Storing Pretzels

Soft pretzels can be stored at room temperature for a short period. Allow the pretzels to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept for about two days at room temperature. If you want to store them for a little longer, wrap the pretzels in plastic to protect them from dry air and refrigerate for up to a week.

For longer-term storage, freezing is the best option. Place the pretzels in a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to three months.

Reheating Pretzels

To reheat frozen pretzels, first, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also use a microwave to speed up the process, with 30 seconds being enough for one pretzel.

To reheat the pretzels so they taste oven-fresh, the best method is to use an oven or air fryer. Place the pretzels in a paper bag with a little water and heat for about 30 seconds in the microwave. Alternatively, wrap the pretzels in a damp paper towel and microwave for the same amount of time.

You can also use an oven to reheat the pretzels. Wrap them in tin foil with a tablespoon of water and place them in an oven at 250 degrees for about 20 minutes.

Frequently asked questions